ASHLEY DUBE
ZIMBABWE Women's hopes of advancing in the ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2024 have taken a significant hit after their 56-run defeat to Ireland Women in a Group B clash at the Sheik Zayed stadium, Abu Dhabi.
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| Image: @zimbabwewomen/X |
Ireland bat first and Amy Hunter continued her impressive form from the previous encounter between the two sides in January, crafting a superb 71-run knock. She shared a commanding opening partnership of 130 runs with Gaby Lewis, who scored 69 runs.
They bashed all the Zimbabwean bowlers, scoring 59 in the powerplay alone. By the time Josephine Nkomo dismissed Hunter, the damage could already be felt.
Lewis followed soon after, but the Irish's total of 176 for three was already a daunting one for the Lady Chevrons.
It was proven so, as Zimbabwe's response never really got going—despite captain Mary-Anne Musonda and Modest Mupachikwa scoring 48 and 27 respectively.
Ava Canning, Laura Delany, and Cara Murray all claimed two wickets apiece for Ireland, restricting Zimbabwe's chase and sealing a comfortable victory.
The team never got anywhere near the required run rate of just under nine, and ultimately succumbed to a 120-run total for the loss of eight wickets.
Zimbabwe's second defeat in the group stage leaves them needing a comprehensive win in their final match on Wednesday (against the Netherlands) along with favorable results elsewhere, to qualify for the semi-finals.
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